Effect of Snehapana (Internal Oleation ) On Lipids: A Critical Review
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of Snehapana (Internal Oleation ) On Lipids: A Critical Review
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Dr. Vasant Patil, Prof M.S. Baghel, Dr. A.B. Thakar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of Snehapana (Internal Oleation ) On Lipids: A Critical Review
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Snehapana, or internal oleation, is a key preparatory procedure in Ayurveda, especially before performing purification therapies known as Shodhana. The practice involves the internal administration of lipids to facilitate the mobilization of bodily humors (Doshas) and to prepare the body for further purificatory treatments, such as emesis and purgation. A concern has been raised within the medical community regarding the impact of lipid ingestion on blood cholesterol levels and the potential for complications such as hyperlipidemia. The study reviews existing literature and investigates the effects of Snehapana on lipid profiles in individuals, addressing the common misconception that lipid intake negatively affects cholesterol levels.
Regulation of Cholesterol Levels through Snehapana
The review highlights a significant finding regarding the regulation of cholesterol levels as a result of Snehapana. When lipids are ingested, they initially cause a slight increase in plasma cholesterol; however, this increase is counter-regulated by the body. The elevation in cholesterol from dietary intake triggers an intrinsic feedback mechanism that inhibits endogenous synthesis, thus preventing excessive increases in cholesterol levels. Clinical trials included in the review support these findings, demonstrating that while there may be a transient rise in lipid levels during the period of ingestion, proper purification (Shodhana) following Snehapana leads to normalization of lipid profiles. This evidence suggests that the procedure, when executed correctly, does not contribute to long-term lipid elevation but rather can assist in managing cholesterol effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the review of various studies indicates that Snehapana does not inherently cause harmful increases in lipid levels. In fact, it acts as a preparatory measure that, when followed by appropriate purificatory therapies, can normalize and manage lipid profiles efficiently. The previous fears associated with the intake of lipids during Snehapana are unsupported, as evidence suggests that proper practice can enhance overall health outcomes. Thus, it is crucial for practitioners to adhere to guidelines concerning dosage and individual patient characteristics to maximize therapeutic benefits while reducing the risk of complications such as hyperlipidemia.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Snehapana and its role in Ayurvedic therapy?
Snehapana, or internal oleation, is a key preparatory procedure in Ayurveda, crucial before purificatory therapies like Panchakarma. It aids in the mobilization of humors from the periphery to facilitate better purification processes.
Is oral ingestion of lipids during Snehapana safe?
Current studies indicate that oral ingestion of lipids generally does not lead to elevated lipid levels. Instead, it might help normalize any transient increases after initial administration, particularly when followed by appropriate purification therapies.
What factors are considered when administering Snehapana?
Factors such as individual digestion capacity (Agni), bowel habits (Koshtha), and overall health conditions are evaluated before dosing to ensure safety and effectiveness during the Snehapana process.
How does Snehapana affect lipid levels in the body?
Research has shown that while there may be initial increases in lipid levels due to Snehapana, these levels stabilize and return to normal with subsequent purification therapies, alleviating concerns of permanent hyperlipidemia.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of Snehapana (Internal Oleation ) On Lipids: A Critical Review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is an essential component in Ayurvedic practices, particularly in Snehapana (internal oleation). It's used for its beneficial properties in enhancing digestion and mobilizing toxins from the body. Ghee acts as a carrier for medicinal substances, thereby facilitating their absorption and healing effects, especially in purificatory therapies.
2) Snehana:
Snehana refers to the practice of internal oleation in Ayurveda, where lipids like ghee are orally administered. It serves as a preparatory procedure before detoxification therapies (Shodhana). Snehana aims to lubricate and hydrate the body's tissues, promoting the efficient removal of waste products and balancing the body’s doshas.
3) Diet:
Diet in Ayurveda is vital as food influences health, digestion, and balance among the doshas (bodily energies). The quality, composition, and appropriateness of the diet vary among individuals based on their constitution and health conditions. A well-balanced diet enhances therapeutic effects during treatments such as Snehana and Shodhana.
4) Dosha (Dosa, Dosa, Dosa, Dosa, Dosa):
Dosha represents the three energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological and psychological functions in Ayurveda. They are responsible for one's physical constitution and health. Understanding one’s dosha is essential for personalized treatment plans; for instance, Snehana may be tailored to pacify an individual's predominant dosha.
5) Blood:
In the context of Ayurveda, blood is considered to carry vital nutrients and waste products throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, and its quality can be influenced through therapies like Snehapana, which aids in the circulation of lipids and elimination of toxins from the bloodstream.
6) Shodhana (Sodhana, Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to the purification therapies in Ayurveda designed to cleanse the body of toxins (ama) and balance the doshas. These therapies, including Snehana and Virechana (purgation), aim to restore health, enhance vitality, and prevent diseases. Shodhana is crucial for achieving optimal wellness in Ayurvedic practice.
7) Purification:
Purification encompasses procedures aimed at detoxifying the body, especially before any therapeutic interventions in Ayurveda. This process includes Snehana, where internal oleation prepares the body for more intensive cleansing therapies. The goal is to eliminate harmful substances and restore balance, supporting the body's natural healing capabilities.
8) Koshtha (Kostha):
Koshtha refers to the individual’s bowel habit or digestive capacity in Ayurveda. It influences how substances such as lipids are handled by the body. Identification of Koshtha is essential for administering therapies like Snehana, as it determines the dosage and type of lipid to be administered for optimal effects.
9) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita is synonymous with ghee in Ayurvedic medicine and is often used as a base for various herbal preparations. It is revered for its ability to nourish and lubricate tissues while also acting as a carrier for medicinal ingredients. Ghrita enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments, particularly in oleation.
10) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to action or therapy in relation to health treatment. It signifies the therapeutic procedures that are carried out, such as Snehana or Shodhana. Each form of Karma aims to create a balance within the body and treat specific ailments based on the individual’s constitution and health status.
11) Sneha:
Sneha translates to oil or fat in Sanskrit, denoting substances used for lubrication and nourishment in Ayurvedic therapies. In the context of Snehana, Sneha represents the lipids administered for internal oleation. The quality and type of Sneha play significant roles in its therapeutic effects and suitability based on individual needs.
12) Lakshana (Laksana, Laksana, Laksana):
Lakshana means symptoms or indicators in Ayurvedic terminology. In the context of Snehana, it refers to the signs that indicate adequate oleation. Recognizing Lakshana is critical for practitioners to ensure that the treatment is effective and that the patient’s body is responding positively to the therapy.
13) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study and application of Ayurvedic principles and practices, including the understanding of biological processes and the effects of therapies. The rigorous investigation of Ayurvedic treatments, such as Snehapana, aims to validate traditional knowledge through modern scientific methods.
14) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni, or digestive fire, is a core concept in Ayurveda that represents the body’s capacity to digest food and absorb nutrients. It governs metabolism and influences overall health. Snehana seeks to support and enhance Jatharagni, ensuring that the body's capacity to process lipids and nutrients is maintained effectively.
15) Rukshana (Ruksana):
Rukshana refers to the preparatory detoxification process before therapies like Virechana. It includes steps to dry or eliminate excess moisture from bodily tissues, helping to prepare for internal oleation through Snehana. This balance is crucial to prevent complications during comprehensive cleansing treatments in Ayurveda.
16) Varsha (Varsa, Varsa, Varsa):
Varsha represents a traditional Ayurvedic practitioner’s name perhaps involved in the research discussed in the context. The contributions of practitioners like Varsha are essential to understanding the applications and outcomes of Ayurvedic treatments, particularly in studies analyzing the effects of Snehapana on lipid profiles.
17) Fear:
Fear within the Ayurvedic context reflects concerns among practitioners and patients about potential adverse effects of therapies like Snehapana, particularly regarding increased lipid levels. Addressing and mitigating this fear through research and communication is crucial for patient compliance and acceptance of Ayurvedic treatments.
18) Milk:
Milk plays a foundational role in Ayurvedic nutrition, often used as a base for various preparations and treatments. It is considered nourishing and grounding, complementing therapies like Snehana by providing essential nutrients that support the body's health and balance, especially during detoxification processes.
19) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana refers to a section of classical Ayurvedic texts, specifically within the context of discussions on therapeutic procedures and pathologies. The knowledge derived from Sutrasthana is essential for understanding the foundational principles of Ayurvedic practice and therapies like Snehana and Shodhana.
20) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic healing system originating from India, focusing on balance among the body's energies (doshas), mind, and spirit. It emphasizes preventive healthcare, wellness, and individual constitution tailored treatments, including internal oleation and purification therapies, making them vital for maintaining health and well-being.
21) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is a renowned ancient Ayurvedic scholar, credited with compiling significant Ayurvedic texts like Ashtanga Hridaya. His work focuses on the principles and applications of various Ayurvedic therapies, including Snehana, and informs current practices through classical references guiding practitioners in their treatment approaches.
22) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight-fold path of Ayurveda codified by Vagbhata that encapsulates comprehensive aspects of health, including diagnosis, treatment, and the philosophy underlying Ayurvedic practices. This framework guides practitioners through diverse therapeutic modalities such as Snehana and Shodhana for holistic patient care.
23) Svedana:
Svedana is the process of sudation or sweating that is often done alongside internal oleation (Snehana) in Ayurvedic treatments. This therapy aids in detoxification, enhances circulation, and assists in the mobilization of toxins, complementing the effects of Snehana and promoting overall health and well-being.
24) Channel:
Channel in the Ayurvedic context refers to 'Srotas,' pathways responsible for transporting substances throughout the body. These channels are vital for the smooth flow of nutrients, waste removal, and overall metabolic processes. Healthy channels ensure the effectiveness of treatments like Snehana, facilitating optimal physiological function.
25) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by elements of water and earth. It governs stability, structure, and bodily fluids. Treatments like Snehana may be employed to balance Kapha when it is aggravated, emphasizing the individualized approach needed in Ayurvedic medicine based on one's doshic constitution.
26) Bhava:
Bhava refers to the qualitative aspects, intrinsic characteristics, or emotional states in Ayurveda. In treatments like Snehana, understanding a person’s emotional and psychological 'Bhava' is essential since mental states can influence physical health and response to therapeutic interventions, guiding practitioners in delivering holistic care.
27) Agni:
Agni signifies the digestive fire or metabolic energy in Ayurveda and is pivotal for converting food into energy. It influences every aspect of health, including immunity and nutrient absorption. Treatments like Snehana and Shodhana aim to enhance Agni, ensuring the body’s capability to properly metabolize and assimilate nutrients.
28) Mala:
Mala refers to the waste generated by the body's metabolic processes that need to be eliminated to maintain health. In Ayurvedic practices, therapies like Snehana and subsequent purification processes focus on mobilizing and expelling Mala effectively, thereby preventing diseases and promoting a balanced state of health.
29) Post:
Post refers to the aftereffects or observations recorded after therapies such as Snehapana. It is crucial to monitor the biochemical parameters post-treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and understand its impact on health, guiding further therapeutic strategies and patient care.
30) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by chronic inflammation and pain in the joints. Treatment approaches in Ayurveda, including Snehana, aim to address the underlying metabolic imbalances and alleviate symptoms, emphasizing a holistic view of health that integrates detoxification and lifestyle modifications for improved quality of life.
31) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk is a significant source of nutrition in Ayurvedic medicine, often used in various preparations due to its nourishing properties. It supports digestion and is seen as a balancing food. In Snehana, cow milk may be integrated as part of therapies aimed at enhancing health and detoxification.
32) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga-hridaya is a foundational Ayurvedic text authored by Vagbhata that outlines comprehensive protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and health maintenance. Its teachings provide crucial guidance for practitioners, who implement its principles in therapies like Snehana and Shodhana to support patient health and wellness practices.
33) Caraka-samhita:
Caraka-samhita is one of the oldest and most respected texts in Ayurveda, detailing medical theory, diagnosis, and treatment methodologies. The knowledge from Caraka-samhita informs modern Ayurvedic practices, particularly regarding detoxification and purification processes like Shodhana, ensuring treatments are rooted in traditional wisdom.
34) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha combines characteristics of earth and water and is responsible for stability and lubricant functions in the body. Its balance is crucial for maintaining health; external or internal influences can lead to its aggravation, which may necessitate treatments like Snehana for restoration of balance.
35) Ekakushtha (Ekakustha, Eka-kushtha):
Ekakushtha refers to a type of skin disorder in Ayurveda that requires careful management through therapeutic interventions. Treatments might include Snehana and Shodhana aimed at removing toxins from the skin channels, demonstrating Ayurveda's individualized approach to managing specific health conditions based on underlying imbalances.
36) Vishamagni (Vishama-agni, Visamagni):
Vishamagni refers to irregular or disturbed digestive fire. It signifies an unstable digestive capacity that can lead to various health issues. Ayurveda emphasizes the need to balance Agni through proper dietary interventions and therapies like Snehana, which can stabilize digestion and restore metabolic harmony.
37) Arunadatta:
Arunadatta is a commentator on Ayurvedic texts, particularly Ashtanga Hridaya. His insights and interpretations help clarify the application of Ayurvedic principles in contemporary practice. Practitioners rely on the works of scholars like Arunadatta to understand and implement therapies such as Snehana effectively.
38) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of Ayurvedic studies refers to a critical analysis of findings, methodologies, and outcomes regarding therapeutic practices. In this reviewing process, practitioners and researchers assess the implications of treatments like Snehana on lipid levels and overall health, thereby refining therapeutic approaches.
39) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purvakarma indicates the preparatory procedures in Ayurveda before a primary treatment such as detoxification or rejuvenation. It is essential to ensure the body's readiness for intensive therapies like Snehana and Shodhana, as these initial steps help mitigate adverse effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
40) Substance:
Substance in Ayurveda often refers to any therapeutic agent, including herbs, oils, or food. In the context of Snehana, the lipid substances administered (such as ghee) play a vital role in the treatment outcome and efficacy, underpinning the importance of quality and type in therapeutic regimens.
41) Cakrapani (Cakra-pani):
Cakrapani was a renowned commentator on Ayurvedic texts, particularly Caraka Samhita. His interpretations provide depth to Ayurvedic concepts, especially relating to treatment protocols. Understanding Cakrapani's insights helps practitioners apply traditional wisdom effectively in modern contexts, particularly concerning Snehana and Shodhana therapies.
42) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to imbalances or disturbances in the body's doshas, metabolism, or mental state that can lead to disease. Ayurveda seeks to restore equilibrium, employing therapies like Snehana to address these vitiations through detoxification and balance, reaffirming the holistic nature of Ayurvedic treatment.
43) Samhita:
Samhita refers to a collection or compilation of Ayurvedic texts detailing medical knowledge and practices. These compilations, like Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, form the foundation of Ayurvedic education and practice, guiding the application of therapeutic measures like Snehana and Shodhana.
44) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya indicates the heart or core aspect of Ayurvedic teachings. It is fundamental in holistic practices, representing the connection between physical and emotional well-being. Understanding Hridaya informs practitioners about the central principles governing health, reinforcing the need for therapies like Snehana that nourish both body and spirit.
45) Shvitra (Svitra):
Shvitra refers to a specific skin condition in Ayurveda, often requiring treatment through purification methods like Snehana. Managing Shvitra involves rectifying doshic imbalances and addressing underlying toxins in the body, demonstrating the comprehensive approach of Ayurveda toward dermatological health.
46) Hemadri (Heman-adri):
Hemadri is another influential commentator on Ayurvedic texts, particularly related to Sidhanta and Samhita. His insights provide practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of Ayurvedic therapies. Hemadri's interpretations guide modern Ayurvedic practice, ensuring a faithful application of traditional knowledge in contemporary health settings.
47) Caraka:
Caraka was a foundational figure in Ayurvedic medicine, known for his text, Caraka Samhita, which encompasses holistic healthcare, diagnostics, and therapies. His contributions shape the understanding of treatment methodologies, including Snehana, and continue to influence Ayurvedic practice and education today.
48) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to a practitioner or physician trained in Ayurvedic medicine. A Vaidya applies knowledge of doshas, therapies, and holistic healing principles to diagnose and treat patients. They play a critical role in implementing therapies like Snehana tailored to individual health conditions and needs.
49) Satmya:
Satmya refers to the concept of dietary compatibility or the body’s ability to tolerate certain substances. In the context of Snehana, understanding Satmya informs practitioners how to introduce lipids and other substances safely, individualizing treatment plans to minimize adverse reactions and enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
50) Shakha (Sakha, Sakha, Sakha, Sakha, Sakha):
Shakha means limb or peripheral area in Ayurvedic terminology and often represents sections of the body influenced by doshas. Therapeutic interventions, including Snehana, target Shakha to promote overall balance and health, affirming the interconnectedness of body parts within Ayurvedic philosophy.
51) Vamana:
Vamana is a form of therapeutic vomiting used in Ayurveda as part of detoxification processes. It is employed to expel excess Kapha and balance doshas. Vamana often follows Snehana, as prepared bodies can better tolerate this purifying process, enhancing the efficacy of Shodhana methods.
52) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas denotes the bodily channels through which nutrients, waste, and other substances circulate. Proper functioning of Srotas is essential for health, and therapies like Snehana help in cleansing and optimizing these channels, facilitating better absorption and elimination processes within the body.
53) Medura:
Medura generally refers to the sweet or fatty constitution in Ayurveda, often linked with Kapha dosha. Understanding Medura is crucial for tailoring treatments like Snehana, as it helps in recognizing dietary preferences and predispositions that may affect health and treatment outcomes.
54) Bahu:
Bahu means abundance or excess in terms of Kapha dosha. In Ayurveda, recognizing Bahu helps determine treatment approaches and necessary precautions, especially when administering therapies like Snehana to avoid exacerbating existing imbalances and foster effective healing.